The Office for Outer Space Affairs, within the framework of the United Nations Programme on Space Applications and as part of its Human Space Technology Initiative (HSTI), organized the United Nations/China Workshop on Human Space Technology in Beijing, China from 16 to 20 September 2013. The
China Manned Space Agency (CMSA) co-organized and hosted the Workshop on behalf of the Government of China, and the
International Academy of Astronautics (IAA) also co-organized the five-day programme.

Over 150 space experts from 33 different countries and regions around the world gathered to discuss the future development of human space exploration. Having reviewed 41 technical reports, the participants took part in the arranged working group sessions and shared their views on the following areas: microgravity science, capacity building and education, and human space exploration and international cooperation. An outreach activity called the International Astronauts Forum, as well as a technical tour of visiting space facilities, including Beijing Space Centre and the China Academy of Space Technology, were also organized as the associated activities of the Workshop.